Holland & Knight adds Connelly, Malo, Fenton, Atherton and Santos to real estate practice group

Boston, MA Holland & Knight has strengthened its real estate section with a team of five attorneys. The group includes partners Julie Connelly and Annie Malo, senior counsels Scott Fenton and Brian Atherton, and associate Erica Santos. All previously practiced at Seyfarth Shaw.

“We are thrilled to have this team of attorneys join our team here in Boston,” said John O’Neill, practice group leader of the Boston real estate practice. “The combination of their impressive legal skills and innovative approach to project management for their clients allows us to expand the Boston real estate practice and continue to innovate in the delivery of legal services to our clients.”

“We are excited to start this new chapter at a firm with such breadth, depth, and diversity in real estate law. Holland & Knight’s significant geographic platform, talent, and technological resources make it a great match for our clients,” said Connelly. “I look forward to working with Holland & Knight to share our best practices for management of volume clients, and am eager to take advantage of the tools, resources, and opportunities here to maximize client service. What a treat that I get to continue working with my wonderful colleagues as we integrate and grow our team.”

Connelly advises major retailers and office landlords on a variety of real estate issues and transactions, including portfolio management for clients looking to expand their retail footprints. She received a J.D. degree from Pepperdine University School of Law and a B.A. degree from Tufts University.

“My colleagues and I are incredibly enthusiastic about joining this talented and thriving real estate team, and to further deepen our footprint in the Boston market and beyond,” said Malo. “The firm’s commitment to expansion and collaboration will only aid us in advancing and growing our practices.”

Malo also advises major retailers on a variety of real estate issues as well as guiding clients in the acquisition, financing, and disposition of real estate assets. Malo received a J.D. degree from the University of Richmond School of Law, an MBA degree from the University of Richmond and a B.A. degree from Tulane University.

“We are delighted to be joining this accomplished team of real estate professionals,” said Fenton. “Leveraging our collective knowledge, we expect to enhance the level of service that we provide to our clients.”

Fenton represents clients in all aspects of commercial real estate, including leasing, permitting and development matters. He has experience representing colleges and universities in a wide variety of complex matters with respect to commercial real estate, permitting and zoning matters, environmental and contract negotiations. He received a J.D. degree from Ohio Northern College of Law and a B.S. degree from Norwich University.

Atherton focuses his practice on commercial real estate, primarily representing tenants in connection with the leasing and development of retail, restaurant, office and warehouse locations, as well as buyer-sided acquisitions. He received a J.D. degree from Boston College Law School and a B.A. degree from Tufts University.

Santos assists clients nationally in acquisition, disposition, development, leasing and financing transactions with a fast expanding practice of assisting retailers in site roll outs and portfolio management. Santos received a J.D. degree from Boston University School of Law, and MBA and B.S. degrees from Boston University.